What a difference a week makes.  Last Sunday I was chilling on the porch in Red River.  A week later, I have been to Flagstaff, Arizona to say goodbye to my beloved Susan, been to Grand Prairie to attend her memorial service and onto New Boston to lay her to rest in Ringwood Cemetery.  Some things I feel compelled to share with you that I have come to hold near and dear to my heart.

1.  Keep in touch with those that make your heart smile.  I saw too many dear friends at Susan's funeral that make me realize that relationships and people are the golden treasure in life.  Reach out to those you love via text, email, a handwritten note, phone call or in person visit.  Keep in touch with those who increase the value of your life.

2.  Live everyday as if it is your last.  We do not know when our time up or when we might lose the one we love, but we ought to give our best and fullest everyday.  You just never know when it might be your last.

3.  Do good in this world for everyone you can.  Even if that good is nothing more than a smile or a word of encouragement.  Don't be selfish and live for your own good but give of what the good Lord has blessed you with to bless others.  No act of kindness is too small.

4.  Take care of your own health.  Don't ignore the warning signs and see your doctor for regular checkups.  If you have health issues, get on the meds and live healthy.  Walk, run, breath, meditate, do  yoga or push-ups, but just get moving and get healthy.  Eat better, let go of stress and be a healthier you!

5.  Don't let the things in this life that you can't take with you rule you.  Money is good but it doesn't go with you.  Things are valuable and sentimental but they can't go with you.  The most important thing in this life is your relationship with the good Lord.  Get right with Him and keep him in your heart every day.

This post is inspired because I am reminded of some pretty awesome people that I have lost in my life.  Most recently Susan Joy Simpson Hull, but also my dear cousin, Phyllis Grady.